Vettel sits pretty on Austin pole

Updated 9:21 pm, Saturday, November 17, 2012

Sebatian Vettel gives a thumbs up after winning the pole for the United States Grand Prix Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Sebatian Vettel gives a thumbs up after winning the pole for the United States Grand Prix Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Felipe Massa in a Ferrari practices Saturday morning at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Felipe Massa in a Ferrari practices Saturday morning at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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The Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Verne practices Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

The Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Verne practices Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Mexican driver Sergio Perez talks with the media following qualifying Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Mexican driver Sergio Perez talks with the media following qualifying Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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A disappointed Jenson Button talks to the press after a poor qualifying effort Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

A disappointed Jenson Button talks to the press after a poor qualifying effort Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Mexican driver Sergio Perez talks to the media after qualifying Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Mexican driver Sergio Perez talks to the media after qualifying Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Sebastian Vettel and teammate Mark Webber pull into the pits after qualifying Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Sebastian Vettel and teammate Mark Webber pull into the pits after qualifying Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Sebatian Vettel gives a thumbs up after winning the pole for the United States Grand Prix Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Sebatian Vettel gives a thumbs up after winning the pole for the United States Grand Prix Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Sebastian Vettel acknowedges the crowd after winning the pole position for the US Grand Prix Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Sebastian Vettel acknowedges the crowd after winning the pole position for the US Grand Prix Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Driver Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton wave to the crowd following qualifying Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin. Vettel will start on the pole for the US Grand Prix at the Circuit Sunday. less

Driver Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton wave to the crowd following qualifying Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin. Vettel will start on the pole for the US Grand Prix at the ... more

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Actor Patrick Dempsey talks with friends Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Actor Patrick Dempsey talks with friends Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Former world champion Nikki Lauda walks in the paddock Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin. Lauda, who was severely burned in a race accident, will be featured in an upcoming Ron Howard movie depicting Lauda's battle with James Hunt for the championship in 1978. less

Former world champion Nikki Lauda walks in the paddock Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin. Lauda, who was severely burned in a race accident, will be featured in an upcoming Ron Howard movie ... more

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Former Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart sports his signature Scottish tartan Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Former Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart sports his signature Scottish tartan Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Grid Girls for the United States Grand Prix pose Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Grid Girls for the United States Grand Prix pose Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Fans from around the world watch practice Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Fans from around the world watch practice Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Cars race beneath the see-through floor of the 250 feet tall Tower Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Cars race beneath the see-through floor of the 250 feet tall Tower Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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A Ferrai practices Saturday morning at the $400 million Circuit of the America's in Austin.

A Ferrai practices Saturday morning at the $400 million Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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A Ferrari practices Saturday at the $400 million Circuit of the America's in Austin.

A Ferrari practices Saturday at the $400 million Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Mexican driver Sergio Perez walks with a team member Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Mexican driver Sergio Perez walks with a team member Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Actor Patrick Dempsey (center) talks with friends in the paddock Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Actor Patrick Dempsey (center) talks with friends in the paddock Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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San Antonio businessman Red McCombs arrives Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin. McCombs is the major investor in the $400 million racing facility.

San Antonio businessman Red McCombs arrives Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin. McCombs is the major investor in the $400 million racing facility.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Fans display their support for the Ferrari team Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Fans display their support for the Ferrari team Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Mexican driver Sergio Perez speaks to the media after qualifying for the United States Grand Prix Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Mexican driver Sergio Perez speaks to the media after qualifying for the United States Grand Prix Saturday at the Circuit of the America's in Austin.

Photo: Robin Jerstad/For The Express-News

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Vettel sits pretty on Austin pole

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AUSTIN — Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel maintained his early domination of the new Circuit of the Americas by winning the pole position for the U.S. Grand Prix on Saturday, putting the German in the perfect spot to chase his third consecutive world championship.

Vettel is on the brink of history with two races left on the calendar. He would be only the third driver — and youngest — to win three consecutive world championships, joining Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.

Dubbed the “Boy Wonder,” Vettel made his Formula One debut at the U.S. Grand Prix in 2007 as a 19-year-old kid. At the ripe old age of 25, he now appears ready to join the sport's elite.

Vettel avoided saying anything that would sound overconfident about winning another title. Two weeks ago, a penalty forced him to start in last place at Abu Dhabi before he finished third in the crash-filled race.

“I'm very happy with the (qualifying) result, but nobody has scored any points yet,” Vettel said. “We saw in the last race how quickly things can change. It's the best strategy to keep your head down and try to get the best.”